No one is talking about this 'big' Liverpool problem that could define the season - Robinson
Paul Robinson insists Liverpool face a big problem in January when Sadio Mane and Mo Salah leave for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Tottenham stopper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claims an injury to any of their backup players could prove to be disastrous.
The AFCON starts on 9 January next year with Salah and Mane expected to represent Egypt and Senegal respectively.
Both players have started all of the Reds' league games this season and are unbeaten.
Robinson claims Liverpool can only challenge for the Premier League if they keep their key players fit.
"I think Liverpool can challenge but they have to keep key players fit," Robinson told Football Insider assistant editor Dylan Childs.
"No one is talking about this, the big problem Liverpool have is their strikers.
"When the Africa Cup of Nations starts they are going to lose Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.
"They will lose them for about a month so that time will be really important for Liverpool.
"They lose two of their front three, yes Jota comes in for one of them but they have lost Shaqiri.
"Does Origi come in for those games. Do you change formation? That will be the hardest point in Liverpool's season.
"I do think his starting 11 is strong enough to compete for the title but they have also lost Wijnaldum which is a big hole in their team.
"They will also lose Salah and Mane. Neither Jota or Firmino is an out and out striker.
"If either of those two get injured Liverpool will have problems."